What is the Bioē project?

Bioē is a research project focused on investigating the bioelectrochemical potential of marine biofouling communitiesdeveloped on conductive substrates. The project explores how these systems can generate renewable electrical energy to support maritime signaling and environmental monitoring, particularly in remote marine environments.

Why is the Bioē project website written in English if the project is based in Brazil?

Although Bioē is a Brazilian research project, the website is presented in English to ensure global accessibility and international visibility. English allows the project’s scientific concepts, methodologies, and results to be shared with a broader international audience, including researchers, institutions, and potential collaborators worldwide. This approach aligns with the project’s interdisciplinary and international outlook.

Why study biofouling instead of preventing it?

Biofouling is traditionally treated as a problem in marine engineering. Bioē adopts a different perspective by studying biofouling as a functional biological interface, capable of interacting with materials and contributing to bioelectrochemical processes that may be harnessed for energy generation.

Where will the experiments be conducted?

Experiments will be conducted in coastal marine environments, using controlled deployments of experimental substrates and systems designed to operate under real environmental conditions.

What types of organisms are involved in the project?

The project focuses on macro-organisms commonly associated with marine biofouling, such as mollusks, barnacles, ascidians, and algae. Microbial systems are not the primary focus of Bioē.

How is electrical energy generated in the Bioē systems?

Electrical energy is generated through bioelectrochemical interactions between marine organisms, conductive substrates, and seawater, resulting in measurable electrical potentials that can be harvested and conditioned using electronic systems.

What is the role of materials science in Bioē?

Materials science plays a central role in the project through the development and testing of functional coating formulations designed to control biofouling selectivity while enhancing electrical conductivity and bioelectrochemical performance.

What technologies are being used or developed in the project?

Bioē involves the development of:

• Bioelectrochemical generators

• Functional conductive coatings

• Low-power DC–DC converters

• Autonomous monitoring and signaling buoys

What is the role of DC–DC converters in the Bioē project?

DC–DC converters play a critical role in the Bioē project by amplifying, stabilizing, and conditioning the low-voltage electrical output generated by bioelectrochemical systems. These converters enable the efficient use of irregular and low-power energy signals, making it possible to power autonomous sensors, signaling devices, and monitoring systems in marine environments.

How does Bioē relate to the Obras Vivas initiative?

The Obras Vivas initiative was a community extension project focused on understanding biofouling challenges on wooden fishing boats. The insights gained from this experience helped shape the scientific questions addressed in Bioē, which now advances these ideas through structured research and experimentation.

What motivated the development of the Bioē project?

The development of Bioē was strongly motivated by national recognition received at FEBRACE 2025, including awards granted by the Brazilian Navy. These recognitions validated the project’s core concepts and encouraged the team to structure a comprehensive research program.

Who is the Bioē project intended to benefit?

The project aims to benefit:

• Maritime safety and navigation

• Environmental monitoring initiatives

• Coastal and remote marine operations

• Scientific understanding of bioelectrochemical systems

Is Bioē an applied or fundamental research project?

Bioē integrates fundamental scientific investigation with applied technological development, seeking both theoretical understanding and practical solutions for marine environments.

How is the project funded?

Bioē is supported within the framework of the Technological Innovation Programs / PROASA – Program for the South Atlantic Ocean and Antarctic Sciences, under a Research Project – Regular modality. FAPESP Grant #2025/0787809

How can I get involved or learn more?

For more information, interested parties are encouraged to contact the project team through the website form, where inquiries and collaboration requests can be submitted.